Marlin Firearms Co. Model 1897 ’97 .22 S/L/LR Takedown Lever Rifle 1902 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1103

LSB#: 220415GG038

Make: Marlin

Model: 1897 Takedown Tube Fed Rifle

Serial Number: 238554

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle With Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MARLIN FIRE-ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D JAN. 18. 1887. APRIL 2. 1889. AUG. 12. 1890. MAR. 1, 1892.”. The underside of the receiver is marked “238554”. The inside of the frame is marked “PAT. JUNE 8, 1897”. The butt plate is marked “MARLIN / SAFETY / MFG. CO.”. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL / 1897”.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade dovetailed into the barrel by the muzzle. The rear sight is a “U” notched leaf and slide-step elevator, dovetailed onto the barrel. The upper tang has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for mounting a tang sight (not included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, capped forearm, and a black hard rubber buttplate.There are several dispersed draglines, compressions, scuffs, and scratches.There are two more notable scratches and a dark compression on the left side of the buttstock. There are tiny pits along the left side of the forearm. There is a tiny, hardly noticeable split in the bottom of the wrist at the rear of the lower tang. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows scuffs and scratches and the checkering shows light wear and is generally well defined. There is a chip at the toe. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel, magazine tube, loading gate and hammer are blued and the receiver is case colored.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is slightly bright and the rifling is defined. There is scattered erosion and some pitting throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 68% of its metal finish. The case coloring has mostly gone mute though is still rather strong on the sides of the receiver towards the rear and on the lower tang. There is scattered erosion on the lever and throughout the majority of the receiver. The finish along the leading edges of the barrel is thinning and there are two spots of finish loss on the right side. There is a light dusting of surface erosion throughout the barrel and magazine tube. There are minor nicks and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The screw heads are lightly tooled at worst and are highly serviceable. The markings are crisp and defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly although we have not test fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Marlin’s Model 1897 had such a successful production run that its overall design was continued in use under the alias of ’97’ until 1921 when the model was changed to ’39’ and then ’39A’ around 1940. The legacy of these rifles is not exaggerated by any stretch of the imagination; a light handling, high capacity take down rifle that has a well balanced full length tube magazine and 24? octagonal barrel. This rifle’s case colored frame is still vivid in areas and most of the losses on the surfaces look to be from honest handling rub wear. With its beautiful walnut stock set and overall appeal, it will sit nicely in a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!